Causes Of Action For Product Injury Lawsuits

State law governs products liability cases in Illinois because federal law does not speak to this issue. Under state law, there are various types of claims you could make for similar accidents depending on the circumstances. Here is an overview of each of them:

NEGLIGENCE: In a negligence action, your claim must be that the manufacturer/distributor/retailer failed to act as a reasonable party would have in the circumstances. Further, this conduct resulted in the injury of one or more people because of the creation, distribution, and sale of a defective product.

STRICT LIABILITY: In strict liability actions, you do not need to show that the defendant was negligent. You merely need to show that you were harmed by a product that is considered unreasonably dangerous or defective by its very nature. Categories of products that might have strict liability include harmful substances, construction, and transportation.

BREACH OF WARRANTY: Breach of warranty actions involving products liability argue that the maker or seller induced you to buy the item with certain promises, those turned out to be false, and that you were injured because of it.

COMMERCIAL CODE: The Uniform Commercial Code, which Illinois adopts and adheres to, requires sellers to, among other things, place safe products into the market and honor all promises they make regarding them. If they breach any of these obligations, consumers have a basis to bring an action for damages.

How Do Laws, Codes, And Cases Interact In My Lawsuit?

If you are injured because of a defective product and decide to bring a lawsuit in Illinois or any other state for that matter, then you will soon be hit with arcane references to statutes, cases, and codes. You might wonder how they all go together and what you should look to first. First, it’s important to remember that only states have jurisdiction on products liability issues in America-Congress and the federal judiciary have no say. After that, you should start with the laws that various states pass on the subject. Then, look to how state agencies interpret them through codes and regulations. Finally, see how state courts interpret these laws and codes for precedential effect. By using this scheme, you will be better able to see how your case will play out in trial and on appeal.

How Do The Rules Of Trial And Settlement Compare?

Trial is a very mechanical and structured event. There are strict rules and requirements. In order to be successful, you need toclear various procedural and substantive hurdles. It’s like an elaborate dance with several moves. Compared to trial, settlement is like the Wild West. Within the confines of the settlement process, parties are free to use their strengths in order to extract the most advantageous settlement possible. Generally, they need only receive approval from the judge regarding the outcome. Much of the process that leads up to the settlement agreement is left up to the party’s discretion. Therefore, the rules regarding trial and settlement with products liability cases are very different and can vastly change a plaintiff’s outcome especially if there is a large discrepancy in resources between both sides.

Want To Know More About The Laws Surrounding Illinois Products Liability Cases?

If you call our offices, a member of the Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers LLC can walk you through the various laws that will affect your Illinois products liability case. Then, we can explain-in great detail-exactly what you need to do to make sure that none of them block your right to recover. We can do all of this and more on contingency which means that you don’t need to pay one dollar until you’re happy with the award that you get. Call today. We can begin work immediately!

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Testimonials

“Too many lawyers try pass you off to another person in their office to answer questions. Not Jonathan. I have already referred some family members to Jonathan for their injury cases. I consider Jonathan both my lawyer and my friend.”- Annie

Jonathan Rosenfeld was professionally objective, timely, and knowledgeable. Also, his advice was extremely effective regarding my case. In addition, Jonathan was understanding and patient pertaining to any of my questions or concerns. I was very happy with the end result and I highly recommend Jonathan Rosenfeld. Michonne Proulx

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Extremely impressed with this law firm. They took control of a bad motorcycle crash that left my uncle seriously injured. Without any guarantee of a financial recovery, they went out and hired accident investigators and engineers to help prove how the accident happened. I am grateful that they worked on a contingency fee basis as there was no way we could have paid for these services on our own. Ethan Armstrong

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This lawyer really helped me get compensation for my motorcycle accident case. I know there is no way that I could have gotten anywhere near the amount that Mr. Rosenfeld was able to get to settle my case. Thank you. Daniel Kaim

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Jonathan helped my family heal and get compensation after our child was suffered a life threatening injury at daycare. He was sympathetic and in constant contact with us letting us know all he knew every step of the way. We were so blessed to find Jonathan! Giulia

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Jonathan did a great job helping my family navigate through a lengthy lawsuit involving my grandmother's death in a nursing home. Through every step of the case, Jonathan kept my family informed of the progression of the case. Although our case eventually settled at a mediation, I really was impressed at how well prepared Jonathan was to take the case to trial. Lisa

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